Vox Pop

Malcolm Nance, a leading expert in counter-terrorisim intelligence, joins us for a Vox Pop. He’s going to help shed some light on how the United States could respond to the threat from the group calling itself the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, as President Obama prepares to address the nation with his plans.

Our region boasts some of the finest chefs in the country. And we want to get to know as many of them as possible here on Food Friday. Today we are on with Chef Peter Platt, co-owner and executive chef at the Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough, Massachusetts.

A child born in 2013 will cost a middle-income American family an average of $245,340. That’s some serious sticker shock, from a report out by the United States Department of Agriculture released this week. Of course there are inherent joys in having children. But are they becoming prohibitively expensive?

Whether you’re flipping a house or finally getting around to updating that kitchen of yours, home improvement projects can be daunting. But don’t worry, professional engineer and construction specialist Darren Tracy is here with us today to answer your questions large and small about your next home improvement project.

The death of the renowned actor and comedian Robin Williams yesterday has shocked and saddened many, and like the deaths of troubled celebrities before him, has thrust the issues of depression and suicide into the spotlight.

How do you take your coffee or tea? Flavio Lichtenthal of the No. Six Depot in West Stockbridge and at Tanglewood joins us for Food Friday, along with Kevin Borowsky of The Whistling Kettle in Ballston Spa and Troy, New York.

This summer has seen its share of severe storms—tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding. And now we’re into hurricane season. We’re here with National Weather Service Meteorologist Stephen DiRienzo to talk weather, weather preparedness, and to take your weather questions.

Before there were supermarkets and restaurants, human beings had to forage in the wild for food. But even with the modern conveniences we have today, foraging is still happening. We have two expert foragers in the studio with us today, author Dina Falconi and Jim Gop of The Meat Market and Fire Roasted Catering in Great Barrington.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Frank Lombardo, of Orthopedic Associates of Dutchess County, joins us in the studio today for Medical Monday. Dr. Lombardo specializes in primary and revision joint surgery of the knee and hips.

It's Alan's birthday! To celebrate, we're putting him in the studio during today's Food Friday, and making him enjoy some delicious birthday cake. We'll be trying four different cakes, and hearing from some very special guests.

From the tales of a certain webslinging vigilante to the adventures of heroes in a half-shell and beyond, comic books have shaped popular culture immensely in the last few decades. With San Diego Comic-Con International coming up this weekend, we’re on today with Movies.com columnist and Professional Geek Rick Marshall about what's going on in the comic book universe and beyond.

Joining us this afternoon for Medical Monday is Dr. Karen Tedesco of New York Oncology Hematology. She’s here to answer your questions about skin cancers, and how best to protect yourself in the summer sun.

Chef Bruce Mattel of The Culinary Institute of America and Dennis Erlich of Pesca & Co. in Great Barrington join Ray in the studio for a discussion of seafood, and the role it plays in modern American cuisine.

Our resident coin and stamp experts are back after a few years off for another hour of calls from all of you stamp and coin collectors out there. Experts Bob Scott and David Tripp join us this afternoon for the return of our Stamps & Coins show.